President Jeremy Thornton says councillors who represented ratepayers in the former three local government areas “who are coming out to destabilize the new council are doing more harm than good.”

He is urging them to “start showing support for our new community” and contends “ongoing negativity is not helping and we need to accept what has happened and now work on creating positive outcomes for the MidCoast local government area.”

“MidCoast Council is not going to be de-amalgamated,” Mr Thornton said.

“There is no way it can now be pulled apart and sent back to the three previous councils as it would cost even more to make that process happen. The State government has committed to reviews of amalgamated councils in 2020 so it’s now time that we work on uniting the community and not trying to divide and conquer.

“MidCoast Council is only nine months old and will take a few years to bed down and become fully functioning. We need to allow this process to happen and give it support. To say after such a short period that it isn’t working is unfair. 

“What scares me is that many of these will be seeking a position on the new council in September.

“If any of these former councillors still harbour the bitterness shown last year then they should reconsider running for council.

“We only get one shot at getting this right. Getting the wrong people could have long term ramifications. Likewise, the community needs to really consider who leads us through this change and vote accordingly in September.

“We need people in council who think regionally and recognize the benefit of an amalgamated council and not living on perceived past glories.”